The disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics 2024 finals due to being 100 grams overweight has left the nation heartbroken. Among those deeply moved is actor Nakuul Mehta, who recently paid tribute to Vinesh by reciting a heartfelt poem on Instagram. For Mehta, Vinesh’s struggle is emblematic of the broader issues facing women in India, drawing a parallel to the recent tragic incident in Kolkata, where a medical trainee was raped and murdered.
Mehta emphasized the connection between Vinesh’s battle and the larger societal challenges women face. “We are all aware of the fight Vinesh has had to endure, especially over the past year,” Mehta said. “With the horrifying incident in Kolkata, people have suddenly woken up and are protesting. But this should have started when our wrestlers were fighting the authorities on sexual misconduct. We didn’t stand up then, and we only wake up when it’s too late.”
He was referring to the protests by wrestlers in 2023, demanding an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, then president of the Wrestling Federation of India.
Despite the heartbreaking outcome in Paris, Nakuul Mehta remains in awe of Phogat’s achievements. “Her performance at the Olympics was nothing short of spectacular. Defeating a Japanese wrestler who had never been beaten before was incredible. In the final, she was set to face an Australian opponent she had already beaten twice, so there was a strong chance she would have won gold,” he said. “But regardless of what happened, her journey to the Olympics after everything she went through is truly inspiring.”
Mehta revealed that he recorded his poem while in Ladakh, unaware it would resonate with so many people. “The poetry was a humble tribute to the giant inspiration that Vinesh is,” he said. “It’s tragic what happened, but she deserves to be celebrated just as much as Neeraj Chopra or Manu Bhaker.”
Turning to the incident in Kolkata, Mehta expressed frustration at how society only reacts after such tragedies. “The wrestlers’ protest happened in Delhi, yet no one batted an eyelid,” he noted. Reflecting on Independence Day, Mehta said it felt less celebratory due to the ongoing violence against women. “What happened is gruesome, but similar incidents occur every day, and no one takes notice. I hope this awakening doesn’t stop at one protest or a few social media posts. It needs continued support.”
Mehta also called on men to play a more active role in combating gender violence. “It’s up to us to change the thinking at the grassroots level,” he urged. “Women have faced this for far too long; it can’t just be them protesting. We need to put in more effort. It’s time to create a safer space for women around us.”
